Apparatus and methods for transferring fragile hems
US11655105B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/047
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for vertical transfer of whole nuts from a first elevation to a second, lower elevation includes a run extending between an entrance and an exit, and having a plurality of alternatingly arranged conveying panels between the entrance and the exit. Each conveying panel is inclined at approximately 30 degrees to horizontal and has a predefined width. The apparatus further includes arcuate turn-arounds disposed between respective conveying panels to facilitate transferring the nuts from one conveying panel to the next lower conveying panel. The predefined width of the conveying panels is selected based on a predetermined mass flow rate of nuts such that whole nuts move along the run in a continuous stream without tumbling, and wherein each nut is in contact with adjacent nuts in its respective layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.